Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivation in Chhattisgarh, a predominantly rice-fallow state, faces constraints like low productivity (1.2-1.5 t/ha), erratic winter rains, and delayed sowing post-kharif rice harvest. This study evaluates diverse production technologies—conventional tillage (CT), zero-tillage direct-seeded (ZTDS), raised-bed planting (RBP), and System of Wheat Intensification (SWI)—to enhance yields and sustainability in Koria districts. Field trials during rabi 2018-2019 on (Vertisols), soils used variety CG 1018, assessing growth, yield, water use efficiency (WUE), and economics. Treatments involved CT (puddled, 20 cm row spacing), ZTDS (no-till seeding into rice stubble), RBP (60 cm beds with furrow irrigation), and SWI (wide spacing 30x10 cm, young seedlings). Results showed ZTDS yielding 3.2 t/ha (28% over CT's 2.5 t/ha), RBP at 3.1 t/ha (24% higher), and SWI at 3.4 t/ha (36% increase), with WUE rising from 0.35 kg/m³ in CT to 0.58 kg/m³ in ZTDS. Nutrient use efficiency improved 18-25%, reducing N application by 20 kg/ha. Economic returns were highest for SWI (?42,000/ha net) and ZTDS (?38,500/ha), with benefit-cost ratios of 1.92 and 1.78, respectively, versus 1.45 for CT. These technologies mitigate labor (30-40% savings in ZTDS/RBP) and water demands, addressing Chhattisgarh's 70% rainfed wheat area. Adoption could double state production from 280,000 tons, aligning with national food security. Recommendations include subsidies for ZT drills and farmer training for SWI to overcome adoption barriers like equipment access.

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